Nick Gillespie, Editor at Large of Reason Magazine, joins psychiatrist Dr. Carlene MacMillan to dissect the FDA's recent rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy. They explore the regulatory landscape, questioning the adequacy of current systems for evaluating innovative treatments. Gillespie critiques the FDA's role in maintaining existing power structures rather than prioritizing public health. They also discuss the biases in drug approval processes and advocate for reform, highlighting the potential of psychedelics for personal growth beyond trauma healing.

Dr. Carlene MacMillan, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Osmind, shares her insights on the recent FDA rejection of Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA-assisted therapy. She discusses the complexities of psychiatric trials, research misconduct allegations, and the role of reliable data in therapy approval. The conversation also highlights challenges in integrating innovative treatments into the healthcare system and the push for value-based care. Dr. MacMillan emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the future of psychedelic therapies in mental health.